Round 11: Antoine Ruel vs. Raphael Levy

Mark Wraith

This round saw an all French match-up with both players on 8-2. Like a lot of other French players; Raphael was playing Aluren; whereas Antoine was playing Psychatog. Theoretically this should be a good match-up for Raphael if he can find some Cabal Therapies, but otherwise it is good for Antoine.

On Raphael's next turn he attempted a Raven Familiar but it was countered. After Antoine cast another Fact or Fiction he sat for a while doing the Psychatog math before Intuitioning for Wonder and two irrelevant cards and attacking for exactly the right amount of damage.

Game 2

Raphael had a first turn Vineyard this game. Antoine had to burn for two as his only play was a Duress, but at least the Duress got rid of Aluren and left Levy with just Bird; Cavern Harpy and land. Raphael drew and cast Intuition for three Cabal Therapies. The Therapy didn't take any Psychatogs as Raphael had hoped. Since Antoine knew Raphael was missing both Aluren and Raven Familiar he could afford to tap out for a Fact or Fiction.

On his next turn Raphael dropped a Wall of Blossoms, and used it to Therapy again for Psychatog since Antoine had drawn one from the Fact. Levy had the fourth Therapy in his hand and took Brainstorm as well, leaving Antoine with just Edict.

Now Raphael could drop the Aluren, but he didn't have the combo. Both players spent a few turns taking mana burn from the Vineyard; until Antoine got a second Knowledge, drew into a third, which drew him into a Psychatog. The Psychatog was more than lethal and Levy was only able to block it once with a Bird before succumbing. He had three Cavern Harpies in his hand.